Knowledge and understanding about becoming informed citizens

a the legal and human rights and responsibilities underpinning society and how they relate to citizens, including the role and operation of the criminal and civil justice systems

b the diversity of national, regional, religious and ethnic identities in the UK and the need for mutual respect and understanding

c central and local government, the public services they offer, how they are financed and the opportunities to contribute

d the key characteristics of parliamentary and other forms of government and their role in making and shaping the law

e how the economy functions, including the role of business and financial services

g the importance of a free press, and the media's role in society, including the internet, in providing information and affecting opinion

h the rights and responsibilities of consumers, employers and employees

i the importance of resolving conflict fairly

j the world as a global community and the wider issues (political, economic, environmental, social) and challenges of this including sustainable development and Local Agenda 21, the role of the EU, Commonwealth and United Nations

• finding out about relevant legislation, major criminal and civil laws relating to the rights of the consumer
• studying different consumer rights situations and role-playing what they would do and say in each case
• using case studies from magazines to illustrate the main concepts of consumer rights and protection
• looking at different types of contract
• developing an understanding of the needs of consumers
• carrying out surveys to learn about the preferences of different consumers and groups
• evaluating how well consumer needs are met by evaluating products and services
• finding out about different people's needs and preferences by using different consumer and market research techniques
• finding out about how consumer organisations/agencies may be set up and what they do, egs. OFT, CAB
• understanding about the cost of goods and methods of payment
• how changes in technology, culture and society affect and shape consumer needs and expectations
• about different ways of shopping and paying for goods
• understanding a range of marketing techniques and how advertising is used to persuade the consumer
• carrying out a placement in business or industry to find out more about the ways in which they operate and produce a report on the findings
• understanding the impact of technological developments
• critically evaluating the Internet as a means of information and communication
• advertising, marketing and the power of persuasion
• understanding consumer behaviour
• investigating fair trade
• understanding the different perspectives of the citizen vis-ˆ vis the consumer
• the role of consumer organisations in representing and upholding the rights of consumers
• understanding consumer legislation and how to use it as a consumer
• considering users' and manufacturers' points of view
• understanding how consumers can use their power and influence, eg. in relation to fair trade
• the impact of changing technologies, egs. organic and GM foods
• making value judgements about consumer issues and taking account of differing views and perspectives

Developing skills of enquiry & communication

a think about topical political, spiritual, moral, social or cultural issues, problems and events by analysing information from different sources, including ICT-based sources

b express, justify and defend orally and in writing a personal opinion about such issues, problems or events

c contribute to group and exploratory class discussions, and take part in formal debates

• exploring ways in which consumer needs may be met
• product design activities
• investigating moral, social and political consumer issues
• analysing and interpreting statistics
• using the Internet for research
• evaluate from TV, or other consumer reports, the basis of consumer concerns and redress
• showing an awareness of the use and abuse of statistics, eg. product promotion and branding
• explain and justify views on fair trade
• producing advice on consumer protection
• egs. discussing values issues
• problem solving in groups

Developing skills of participation and responsible action

a use their imagination to consider other people's experiences and be able to think about, express and explain views that are not their own

b negotiate, decide and take part responsibly in both school and community based activities

c reflect on the process of participating

• work with others to share ideas, discuss issues and values and forumulate policy
• offering support to others, eg. being a critical friend or sounding board to other people's ideas
• taking a role in committees, design teams and consultation groups, eg. taking forward suggestions on food policy to the School Council
• taking an active role in community issues, eg. making improvements to the school canteen menu, helping to set up and run a breakfast club
• working with community groups, egs. community dieticians or health workers to raise awareness of healthy eating or food safety and hygiene
• raising funds for community projects, egs. through the sale of food products, peer tutoring children in an out of school hours food club